Michigan Basketball vs Maryland: Preview, predictions, and 3 keys

Predictions

Wolverine Corner: Michigan wins 78-64

Michigan basketball is back at home and they should be extra focused and determined coming off of their first loss of the season. I think Maryland will do a better job against Hunter Dickinson this time around but I think Isaiah Livers has his best shooting night of the season to lead the Wolverines to a comfortable win.

Ryan Kraus: Michigan wins 80-75

The Wolverines are coming off their first loss of the season and looking to get back on track against Maryland. In their first matchup, Maryland had a really hard time containing Hunter Dickinson as he scored 26 points only missing one shot. Maryland will emphasize stopping him so Michigan’s other players will have to step up. If Eli Brooks misses his second straight game, this game will be tight.

Jared Dettmer: Michigan wins 79-64

Coming off their first loss of the season, the Wolverines will take out the frustrations of Saturday afternoon on the Terrapins. Eli Brooks’ potential return could buoy the team even further as they look to get back on their dominant track. Hunter Dickinson should also return to form after a couple “down” games by his standards. Michigan takes this one at home 79-64.

Adam Childs: Michigan wins 72-60

Michigan basketball is coming off their first loss of the year and it will be interesting to see how they respond. They are better than Maryland, but last time they let them shoot almost 60% from deep. They can’t let that happen again if they think they can win.

I never agree that you have to have a loss, but this one could humble the Wolverines a bit and get them focused back on winning the Big Ten. They bounce back and take care of the Terps, pulling away in the second half.

Chris Peterson:  Michigan wins 81-68

Whether Eli Brooks is back or not in this game, the key for me is going to be Hunter Dickinson and Franz Wagner and particularly their ability to score the ball inside. Dickinson gets a lot of the credit but Wagner is also a reason why Michigan has been the best 2-point offense in the Big Ten.

Brooks wasn’t in a boot yesterday and this injury wasn’t supposed to be serious anyway, so unless the Wolverines are being overly cautious, he should play. His ball handling and smarts, as well as his shooting ability on offense will make a big impact, as well as his defense.

The game will be tighter if he’s not out there, but Michigan should avoid a second straight loss.